Guide to Minnesota MVR Checks

A Minnesota motor vehicle record is an official report of a driver's record maintained by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety's Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS). The report, also called a Minnesota driving record, summarizes license details and recorded actions such as moving violations, convictions, suspensions, and revocations. Employers, particularly ones hiring for driving-related roles, often perform an MVR check on their candidates for employment before finalizing a job offer.

A Minnesota driving record includes specific information maintained by the DVS. The record may list license details, violations and convictions, crash reports on file, and any actions taken against the license.

A typical Minnesota driving record includes:

The DVS maintains both certified and noncertified versions of driving records. A certified record includes the complete driving history in Minnesota, while a noncertified record shows a five-year history of driver convictions.

The process for running an MVR check depends on who’s requesting it and the purpose of the request. The approach for an employer differs from an individual checking their personal record.

Generally, employers conduct an MVR check one of two ways: contacting the DVS itself or using a third-party background check service that offers MVR checks.

To receive someone’s MVR from the Department of Driver and Vehicle Services yourself, you must follow the department’s listed procedure:

Third-party background check providers frequently offer MVR checks as an add-on or part of their screening packages. Employers who want to screen potential new hires can purchase MVR checks from those providers as a part of a larger background check or individually if that option is available.

Employers that order MVR checks for employment purposes are generally required to obtain written authorization from the candidate under the Fair Credit Reporting Act before conducting the check. A third-party consumer reporting agency, like Checkr, streamlines Minnesota MVR checks, with quick turnaround times and integrations with applicant tracking systems.

Employers must also follow applicable requirements if the information in an MVR report affects their decision to hire a candidate. This includes providing pre-adverse action and subsequent adverse action notices.

Individuals can request their own Minnesota driving record through several methods. The Minnesota Department of Public Safety offers online requests through the MyDVS portal, mail-in requests, or in-person visits to DVS offices. If you’re doing an online request, fill out Record Request Form PS2502 and submit it through your MyDVS account.

Checking your personal record before applying to driving-related roles shows the same license status and history that an employer would review. This allows individuals to understand what information may appear on their record and address any potential issues before submitting applications.

Turnaround times for MVR results vary based on the method used. Online requests through MyDVS are typically the fastest option for individual requests.

For employment screening, MVR checks through third-party providers, like Checkr, can return results quickly, often within one business day. Manual processes or requests that require additional verification may take longer. The turnaround period depends on factors like the complexity of the driving history in question and whether additional verification steps are needed.

Employers that use background check services benefit from automated processes that can handle multiple requests efficiently and provide real-time status updates throughout the screening process.

MVR fees vary based on who’s requesting the record and which source they’re using.

Checkr’s employment background checks start at $29.99, with add-ons and customization options available. MVR checks are one of those options, starting at $9.50 per check. Volume discounts may be available for employers who run multiple background checks.

The state charges a fee for copies of driving records through official channels. Individuals can also use personal employment screening to view what potential employers might see on their record.

Employers must follow applicable laws when running MVR checks in Minnesota for employment purposes. This framework includes federal laws that govern consent, privacy, and safe transportation.

The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) is a federal law that requires employers to obtain written consent from a candidate before ordering an MVR for employment. If the information in a report may negatively impact a hiring decision, the FCRA requires employers to supply the candidate with a pre-adverse action notice and, if necessary, an adverse action notice. They must also provide candidates with a copy of the report and information about their rights before taking any adverse action.

The Driver's Privacy Protection Act is a federal law that limits access to motor vehicle records and the personal data they contain. Many states have enacted their own laws or regulations to implement the DPPA in their states. Minnesota has done so within its public sector privacy law, the MGDPA. Under both the federal DPPA and the MGDPA, requesters may obtain someone’s MVR only for specific purposes enumerated in the statute, often called permissible purposes. Employment screening generally qualifies for one of those purposes, whether for CDL or non-CDL roles.

Requesters must identify a permissible purpose and handle any disclosed information in line with the DPPA and applicable state law. This includes obtaining and using the information only for the selected permissible purpose.

The Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations apply to commercial driving roles. Employers of Commercial Driver's License (CDL) holders conduct an MVR review at hire and perform at least an annual review for ongoing compliance.

The FMCSA requires commercial drivers to have a valid CDL driver’s license and a Medical Examiner’s certificate. The FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearing house also requires annual queries for CDL drivers to identify any prohibitions from driving commercial vehicles.

Checkr offers fast, compliant MVR checks that integrate with businesses’ existing hiring workflows. The platform can handle Minnesota driving record requests at scale, with built-in compliance tools that simplify the screening process for employers of all sizes.

Whether you're a small business hiring your first driver or a large organization managing hundreds of driving positions, Checkr provides the tools and support needed to conduct thorough, compliant background checks. Get started with Checkr today to streamline your hiring process.

Minnesota non-certified driving records typically report convictions from the past five years. A certified record will report your full driving history in the state.

Yes, employers can enable ongoing monitoring to receive alerts when a driver's Minnesota record changes, helping maintain safety standards for driving positions.

Minnesota MVR records frequently report traffic violations, license suspensions or revocations, DUI and DWI offenses, and crashes. Minnesota no longer uses a point system for tracking violations.

Under the FCRA, employers must obtain written permission from candidates before ordering an MVR check for employment purposes.

Yes, employers outside Minnesota can request MVR checks for Minnesota-licensed candidates when there is a permissible purpose and written authorization under federal law.

About the author

Checkr is the data platform that powers safe and fair decisions. We’re a technology company that helps our customers assess risk, modernize hiring, and cultivate trusted relationships in their workplaces and communities.